Don't Join the 'Sending Off the Meat粽' Spectacle: Yang Deng-ke Reminds of 5 Major Taboos

A recent "sending off the meat粽" (song rou zong) ritual in Taichung's Longjing District has sparked significant local discussion and concern, highlighting a unique aspect of Taiwanese folk beliefs. This solemn ceremony, intended to guide departed spirits, passed through the bustling Taiwan Boulevard, near Tunghai University and the Central Taiwan Science Park, drawing considerable attention from residents.

While such rituals are not uncommon in certain areas, their passage through populated zones necessitates careful consideration. Folk religion expert Yang Deng-ke issued a stern warning against treating the ceremony as a spectacle. He emphasized that the ritual carries potent spiritual energy, and observing it with a "curiosity" mindset could lead to unwanted spiritual disturbances, affecting individuals' well-being and fortune. This local perspective underscores a deep-seated respect for the spiritual realm and the potential consequences of disrespecting sacred practices.

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The 'sending off the meat粽' ritual carries very strong negative energy, and one should avoid it if possible, lest the negative energy invades, which is very unfavorable to the living. Mild cases may cause dizziness or nausea, while severe cases may lead to the negative energy clinging to one, potentially affecting one's health and luck.

To mitigate risks, Yang Deng-ke detailed five key taboos: not calling out names along the route to avoid being followed by spirits, not straying from the group to prevent isolation, participants not wearing necklaces to avoid distressing the spirit, not speaking on the return journey to prevent accidental offenses, and ensuring homes keep their windows and doors closed as the procession passes to block the ingress of negative energy. The incident also saw some individuals disregard these warnings by livestreaming the event, drawing hundreds of viewers and causing further controversy. This highlights a cultural clash between traditional beliefs and modern digital behavior, a phenomenon often overlooked in international coverage that might focus solely on the sensational aspect rather than the underlying cultural significance and the community's efforts to maintain spiritual harmony.

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The 'sending off the meat粽' ritual carries very strong negative energy, so absolutely do not go to watch out of curiosity, lest the negative energy invades.